OCES

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Plymouth County and surrounding communities, has kicked off a #GivingTuesday campaign to support the expansion of the agency’s behavioral health services. 
 
Earlier this year, OCES established an Elder Mental Health Outreach Team (EMHOT) to provide behavioral health supports to older adults and individuals with disabilities who may be isolated or encounter barriers that limit access to behavioral health care.  
 
OCES’ EMHOT supports adults age 60 and older who have complex behavioral health conditions, chronic illness, substance misuse, or who are in crisis situations that may require counseling or long-term case management to improve overall wellbeing. On a case-by-case basis, The EMHOT Team provides in-home one-on-one counseling, support, referrals, and resources. 
 
#GivingTuesday will be celebrated on November 28, 2023, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Due to the success and identified need for more behavioral health services, OCES is seeking donor support to help fund the program’s expansion into other communities.  
 
The Law Office of Paula M P Schlosser is encouraging others to give and is generously matching all #GivingTuesday donations made to OCES in support of the EMHOT program’s expansion.  
 
To make a donation online to OCES’ #GivingTuesday campaign, visit www.ocesma.org and click on the Donate Now button.  
 
Donations may also be made by check or money order and mailed to OCES, 144 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301.  
 
OCES is recognized as a tax-exempt charitable corporation under section 501c3 of the IRS tax code. 
 
To learn more about #GivingTuesday, visit www.givingtuesday.org. 
 
About EMHOT 
The EMHOT program was launched earlier this year after OCES received an Elder Mental Health Outreach Team (EMHOT) grant from the Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA) which is funded through the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. Referrals to OCES’ EMHOT can be made by anyone including an individual in need. To make a referral or for additional information from OCES’ EMHOT, call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org. 
 
About OCES 
Celebrating 50 years of Care and Collaboration and recognized as one of the 2023 Best Places to Work by Cape & Plymouth Business Media, OCES is a private, non-profit organization with locations in Brockton and Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly serves Plymouth County and surrounding communities. Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org. 

OCES Kicks Off GivingTuesday to Raise Funds for Elder Mental Health ServicesRead More

BRIDGEWATER, BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA 

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Plymouth County and surrounding towns, has announced a new monthly LGBTQ+ Senior Luncheon will be held at noon every first Thursday of the month at Bridgewater Senior Center, 10 Wally Krueger Way, Bridgewater. All LGBTQ+ seniors and allies are welcome. Seniors who attended the first LGBTQ+ luncheon, had a “great time and appreciated the safe space it provided them to be themselves”. 
 
This program is proudly sponsored by OCES and The Bridgewater Senior Center. The Bridgewater Senior Center is one of OCES’ Community Dining meal sites providing nutritious meals Monday through Friday. 
 
Reservations are required. Contact the Bridgewater Senior Center, 508-697-0929, to reserve a spot for the LGBTQ+ Senior Luncheon on Thursday, October 5, 2023, and each subsequent month.  
 
To arrange for transportation, please call the Bridgewater Senior Center office at 508-697-0929.  
 
OCES Nutrition Program 
The OCES Nutrition Program enhances the quality of life for older adults by providing nutritionally sound and satisfying meals. Meals are available Monday through Friday at Community Dining meal sites located throughout the OCES service area. Older adults are invited to attend any Community Dining program. In addition to a nutritious meal, Community Dining provides opportunities for socialization and education. 
 
OCES’ Nutrition Program, which consists of Meals on Wheels, Community Dining, and Grab & Go meals, is critical to many older adults. In addition, for Brockton residents, OCES offers home delivered Caribbean meals and meals for individuals with disabilities 18 and older. Through OCES’ Nutrition Program, hundreds of nutritious meals are delivered each day to adults age 60+ living within 23 communities in greater Plymouth County. These “Meals on Wheels” are essential, nutritionally-sound and satisfying meals planned by a Dietitian. With the help of hundreds of volunteers, the meals are delivered to individual homes. For many of OCES’ most vulnerable older adults and individuals with disabilities, the delivery is not only a delicious meal, but also often the only social contact of the day. A connection to the community through Meals on Wheels serves as a safety check to ensure that these individuals are safe.  
  
Meals on Wheels and Community Dining menus are published in COA newsletters and on OCES’ website at www.ocesma.org/nutrition-menu 
 
For a list of Community Dining meal sites, visit www.ocesma.org/community-dining 
 
For more information about Meals on Wheels or Community Dining, call OCES at (508) 584-1561.  
 
Please note menus are subject to change. 
 
About Bridgewater COA 
For more information about the Bridgewater COA, visit www.bridgewaterma.org or call 508-697-0929. 
 
About OCES 
No matter gender, identity, race, or sexual orientation, OCES supports everyone without exception. There is “No Wrong Door” when it comes to supporting all. 
 
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org. 

New Monthly LGBTQ+ Senior Luncheon in BridgewaterRead More

BROCKTON, MIDDLEBORO AND PLYMOUTH, MA… In celebration of National Grandparents Day, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) and Old Colony YMCA Middleboro are presenting a Grandparents Family Cookout on September 22, 2023 (rain date September 23) from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Camp Yomechas at 375 Wareham Street in Middleboro. This event is free and open to the public.  
 
Registration is required. Tickets for adults and children must be selected separately. RSVP to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/grandparents-raising-grandchildren-family-cookout-tickets-681757654497 
 
If unable to register online, RSVP by calling OCES at 508-584-1561 ext. 209. 
 
For more information about Old Colony YMCA Middleboro, visit https://www.oldcolonyymca.org/locations/middleboro-branch 
 
OCES Family Caregiver Support for Grandparents 
OCES, a nonprofit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Plymouth County and surrounding towns, has a Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP) that offers resources to assist grandparents raising grandchildren in their caregiving.  
  
OCES’ FCSP empowers grandparents by providing resources and support through OCES programs as well as other resources in the community to help with caregiving. OCES can provide one-on-one support to grandparents raising grandchildren and can create a personalized plan outlining available resources appropriate to their caregiving situation. Resources may range from caregiver support groups and educational workshops or programs that share techniques to help family caregivers with stress reduction, time management, goal setting, problem-solving and relaxation.  
 
About OCES 
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.  

Grandparents Family Cookout on September 22 in Middleboro. Presented by OCES and Old Colony YMCA MiddleboroRead More

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… September is Falls Prevention Awareness month. 

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a nonprofit agency that supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living, is offering two free virtual Falls Prevention presentations on September 13, 2023. 
 
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) reports that every year, one in four Americans aged 65 and older experience a fall. Learning more about falls prevention, reducing risk of falls, and improving balance and strength are all practical strategies to help manage and avoid falls.   
 
OCES’ first virtual Falls Prevention presentation will be held from 10:00-11:30 a.m. To register, use the following link: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ejv4z02fbca9128a&oseq=&c=&ch= 
 
The second presentation will be held from 1:00-2:30 p.m.  To register, use the following link: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ejv4z02vf4a4e57f&oseq=&c=&ch= 
 
Unable to attend either of these virtual presentations?  OCES’ Healthy Living Program offers “A Matter of Balance” evidence-based workshop that emphasizes practical strategies to control, manage, or avoid falls. Matter of Balance will also set goals for increasing activity levels, encourage small changes to reduce fall risks at home, and ways to exercise to increase strength and balance. 
 
If you have any questions about OCES’ free virtual Falls Prevention presentations on September 13th or to learn more about “A Matter of Balance” workshop, contact OCES’ Healthy Living Program at 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org. 
 
About OCES 
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

September is Falls Prevention Awareness Month.  OCES to hold Virtual Falls Prevention Presentations on September 13thRead More

BROCKTON, HANOVER AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Support a good cause with a day of fun at Starland in Hanover! Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) will host a fundraiser on September 17, 2023 from 12:00 pm – 6:00 p.m. at Starland Sportsplex and Fun Park at 637 Washington Street in Hanover. This event is open to the public. 
 
A portion of the proceeds from purchasing an all-day pass and/or food will benefit OCES’ Nutrition Department.   
  
Tickets for ALL-DAY pass can be purchased at the door on the day of event.  Tickets are $50 for all day passes including access to go-karts, Eurobungy trampoline, drop tower, rock wall, mini golf, bumper cars, laser tag and XD dark ride. Discounted prices will be available for children four years old and under. 
 
If you have questions regarding the event, contact OCES at 508-584-1561 ext. 372. If you would like to donate visit www.ocesma.org/donations 
 
OCES Nutrition Program 
OCES’ Nutrition Program, which consists of Meals on Wheels, Community Dining, and Grab & Go meals, is critical to many older adults. Through OCES’ Nutrition Program, hundreds of nutritious meals are delivered each day to adults age 60+ living within 23 communities in greater Plymouth County. These “Meals on Wheels” are essential, nutritionally-sound and satisfying meals planned by a nutritionist. With the help of hundreds of volunteers, the meals are delivered to individual homes. For many of OCES’ most vulnerable older adults and individuals with disabilities, the delivery is not only a delicious meal, but also often the only social contact of the day. Connection to the community through Meals on Wheels is also a safety check to make sure these individuals are okay. 
  
Meals on Wheels and Community Dining menus are published in COA newsletters and on OCES’ website at www.ocesma.org/nutrition-menu
For a list of Community Dining meal sites, visit www.ocesma.org/getting-started/nutrition.  Please call the meal site to make a reservation. 
 
For more information about Meals on Wheels or Community Dining, call OCES at (508) 584-1561. 
 
About OCES 
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.  
 

OCES to Hold Fundraiser at Starland Sportsplex and Fun Park on September 17Read More

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the nonprofit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, is pleased to announce staff member milestone longevity awards for fiscal year 2023.

In appreciation of their employees’ hard work and commitment, staff members from OCES’ Brockton and Plymouth offices received milestone longevity awards. 

Nicole Long, CEO of OCES, presented the following staff with award certificates honoring their years of dedicated service: Maria Maynard, MSM was recognized for 20 years of service and Elizabeth Dos Santos, SCO/OCP Program Manager was recognized for 15 years of service. 

Patricia Livie, Outreach/Education Specialist; Elizabeth Weiner, Housing Programs Manager; Eliza Chace, Home Care Program Supervisor; Deana Andrade, Behavioral Health Supervisor; and Benjamin Aaron Medd, Human Resource Specialist were recognized for 10 years of service. 

Jessica Andrade, SCO Program Supervisor and Exant Louisne Jr, Accountant were recognized for six years of service. 

Valerie Moore, AFC Advisor RN; Molly Draffone, HC CM; Dinamene Cardoso, GSSC; Christopher Haggerty, HC Transition Support Supervisor; Erin Meany, HC CM; Carla Veiga, Provider Billing Specialist; Cheryl Walker, Nutrition Program Specialist; Jeffrey Olivier, Supportive Housing Specialist; Christine Carpenter, PS Supervisor; Timothy Craig Smith Jr, System Support Supervisor; Rachael Ambroult, GSSC; Rachel Kennedy, HC Program Supervisor; Elida Teixeira, I&R Specialist; Marie Andre, GSSC; David Wilcox, MSM; Alyssa Cerri, GSSC; Eugenia Goncalves, GSSC; Luisa Depina, GSSC; Erin Dunlap, HC Program Supervisor; Mathew Mangano, I&R Specialist; Brenna Castillo, PS Specialist were recognized for five years of service.

According to Long, “It’s a great pleasure to recognize our staff members for their unwavering dedication to our organization and in serving the community for many years. We appreciate the efforts of all our employees for their contributions and commitment to our mission.”

Through the talent of an experienced and diverse workforce, OCES supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy, safe living which positively impacts our community.

About OCES
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 23 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The agency offers several programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org. 
 

Old Colony Elder Services Recognizes Staff with Milestone AwardsRead More